Boston Beer Company’s CEO resisted getting carried away after his group’s first-quarter figures a few weeks ago. Though the firm reported a rise in profits and sales, the US’ leading craft brewer is aware of the growing competition in the segments it operates - which include cider and flavoured tea, as well as the beer market.

Boston Beer Co has resisted raising its full-year profits outlook as the threat of major players launching new ciders and investing in other brands means “uncertainty” for the group, according to its CEO.

The performance of the craft beer sub-category dominates the brewing headlines. Larry Nelson takes an in-depth look at the numbers and details Boston Beer Co's position as the driving force for craft in the US.

Changes are afoot in the UK's beer sector.
Many of the nation's - indeed the world's - oldest, most traditional breweries are breaking out of their comfort zone to embrace the trend for all things 'craft' and American.

Boston Beer Co's hard cider brand, Angry Orchard, saw the biggest jump in US on-trade distribution in the first half of 2013, followed by Anheuser-Busch InBev's Budweiser Black Crown, according to latest figures.